Rotating Retroreflective Prism for Optical Weapon Sight Detection and Disablement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current countermeasures lack an effective means to detect and disable optical devices used in weapon fire control, particularly human eyes and optical instruments that utilize optical devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method employing a rotating prism with infrared and visible light lasers to detect and dazzle optical devices by retroreflecting electromagnetic radiation, using an infrared laser to detect and a visible light laser to disable the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection capability is limited, but the system cannot effectively detect optical devices used in weapon fire control
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of electromagnetic radiation wavelength by using infrared laser (outside visible spectrum) for detection, allowing detection of optical devices that are invisible to conventional visible light detection methods. This parameter change enables the system to detect optical devices used in weapon fire control that were previously undetectable.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating prism with retroreflective surfaces acts as an intermediary that receives infrared laser radiation and redirects it toward the target optical device, then captures the reflected radiation. This intermediary mechanism enables detection without direct line-of-sight infrared illumination of the target.
2Reliability
If no countermeasure is applied, then optical devices can be used freely for weapon fire control, but the weapon system becomes vulnerable to optical targeting
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the optical device first using infrared laser, then immediately disabling it with visible light laser before the optical device can be used for weapon fire control. This two-stage approach prevents the harmful effect of optical targeting by acting in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the optical device's reliance on light reflection (its operational mechanism) into a vulnerability by using retroreflective prisms to redirect visible light laser beams back toward the optical device, dazzling or disabling it. The same optical reflection property that enables the device's function becomes its weakness.
3Device complexity
If a single laser wavelength is used, then the system is simpler, but it cannot both detect and disable optical devices effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system is segmented into two distinct components: an infrared laser for detection and a visible light laser for disabling. Each laser operates at a different wavelength optimized for its specific function, allowing the system to perform both detection and disablement tasks effectively without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating prism assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a retroreflector for infrared detection, a beam steering mechanism for visible light disabling, and a mounting structure for both lasers. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite using dual-wavelength lasers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively detects and incapacitates human eyes or optical devices, preventing their use in weapon fire control by utilizing retroreflected infrared and visible light beams.
Implementation Method 1
An infrared (IR) laser directs an infrared laser beam toward the prism side that the laser beam is reflected toward the human eye or optical device, such that the IR laser beam is retroreflected to the prism
Implementation Method 2
A visible light wavelength laser which produces a visible light wavelength laser beam which is reflected from the prism to the human eye or optical device to disable the human eye or optical device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an apparatus for detecting and disabling a human eye or optical device used in the fire control of a weapon. This apparatus comprises a prism having a plurality of peripheral reflective surface. This prism has a longitudinal axis and rotating about said longitudinal axis. An infrared (IR) laser directs an infrared laser beam toward the prism side that the laser beam is reflected toward the human eye or optical device, such that the IR laser beam is retroreflected to the prism. There is also an infrared IR detector which detects the IR retroreflected laser beam reflected from the prism. A visible light wavelength laser which produces a visible light wavelength laser beam which is reflected from the prism to the human eye or optical device to disable the human eye or optical device to prevent use of the weapon.